Introducing: Braden Doyle

Sixth Round, 157th overall: Braden Doyle
Position: D
Shoots: Left
DOB: 8/24/01
Height: 5’11
Weight: 162
Birthplace: Beverly, MA
NHL Central Scouting final ranking: 48 (North American skaters)
NHL Central Scouting midterm ranking: 40
Stats (USHL-Dubuque): 5 GP, 0-1=1
Stats (MA Prep-Lawrence): 28 GP, 5-24=29
2019-20 club: USHL-Dubuque
College commitment: Boston University
Twitter: @bdoyle07

Via NHL.com:

• Doyle was named to the 2018-19 USHS All-USA Hockey Third Team after the defenseman averaged a point per game with Lawrence Academy based in Groton, Mass. (5-24—29 in 28 GP).

• The blueliner was named recipient of the John Carlton Memorial Trophy in 2018-19, given annually by the Boston Bruins to outstanding student athletes in Eastern Massachusetts junior hockey – past winners include Bruins forward Charlie Coyle in 2010.

• Doyle, who has committed to Boston University for the 2020-21 season, models his style of play after Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson.

Via Future Considerations:
A puck-moving offensive defenseman, Doyle shows excellent poise and composure with the puck. He has excellent agility and a decent top speed. He has smooth edges and his stride is very fluid. He defends rushes well with good stick-work and he shows good gap control. He’s good at poke-checking the puck away from opponents before recovering it and transitioning it the other way. That said, he needs to work on his positioning defensively as he can get lost trying to put pressure on the puck carrier. His ability to start the attack from his own end is impressive and he can dish out breakout passes to quickly start the attack. He possesses slick hands and he’s able to pull off some impressive dangles. His puck skills and skating abilities allow him to escape pressure and sidestep opponents with ease. He’s patient in his decision making, but there’s also too much casualness to his game. He doesn’t seem to put in the extra effort after making a mistake. He is knocked off the puck a bit too easily and will need to add upper-body strength to help counteract this. He owns a half-decent wrist shot and he loves to put the puck towards the net. He has flashes of greatness where he makes incredible plays offensively, but he’s definitely a long-term project as he needs to work on his defensive efficiency and decision making moving forward.

Via the New England Hockey Journal ($):
The Lawrence Academy senior defenseman has proven time and time again that he can start the offense from the back end. His ability to sidestep oncoming forecheckers, rush the puck up ice and give quality lead passes on the breakout are staples of his game.

“I’m an offensive defenseman. I like to look for the quick passes. I have good vision. I like to join the rush and use my skill to help my team offensively,” said Doyle, who is from Lynnfield, Mass.

I’m currently experiencing YouTube issues on this flight home, so accept the detour to some Doyle action.

–Lead photo via Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire